Harry Dunn family welcomes US desire to find 'reasonable resolution' with Britain to get justice for Northamptonshire teenager

The United States government has publically stated it wants to find a 'reasonable resolution' with the British authorities to get justice for Harry Dunn for the first time.

The Americans continue to insist Anne Sacoolas, who has been charged with causing the Northamptonshire teenager's death by dangerous driving, has diplomatic immunity.

But Harry's family welcomed the US State Department's commitment to work with their counterparts in London 'to find a mutually acceptable path forward' on the anniversary of his death.

His mother, Charlotte Charles, said: "It’s obviously an horrendously painful time for us. We miss Harry terribly and I wouldn’t wish the pain I’m going through on anyone.

"I am heartened to see that the US administration is now working towards finding a resolution. I hope that we can achieve justice soon - it needs to happen."

Harry, 19, died in hospital after his motorcycle was involved in a crash with a car being driven by Sacoolas, 42, on the wrong side of the road near Croughton on August 27, 2019.

The American woman used a legal loophole, which has now been amended, to claim immunity through her husband, who was working at RAF Croughton for the US government, and leave the country.

She was charged by the CPS in December but the US State Department rejected an extradition request, a decision the Americans insist was final.

A virtual trial or trial in absentia for Sacoolas is being considered by the attorney general while Harry's family is fighting the diplomatic immunity claim in the High Court.

A State Department spokesperson said: "We again offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to the Dunn family for the loss of their son. This was a tragic accident.

"The United States government has declined the United Kingdom’s request for extradition of a US citizen involved in a tragic vehicle accident that occurred in the UK. The Secretary's decision in that regard was final.

"At the time the accident occurred, and for the duration of her stay in the UK, the US citizen driver in this case had immunity from criminal jurisdiction.

"From the outset of this tragedy, we have worked closely with our UK counterparts to find a mutually acceptable path forward.

"We continue to engage with them to find a reasonable resolution."

Harry's family has been campaigning for Sacoolas to come back to the UK since September last year, taking them from Whitehall to the Oval Office for an audience with US President Donald Trump.

The family's spokesman, Radd Seiger, said: "At long last, on the very day that Harry died this time last year, at such a painful time, we have the first indication from Washington that they are working with London to find a resolution.

"The family can take real comfort from the very obvious direction of travel and momentum which has built up towards securing justice for Harry.

"Washington simply would not be uttering those words if they were confident that Mrs Sacoolas had diplomatic immunity. Real diplomats are truly untouchable in these circumstances.

"I once again appeal to the authorities in London and Washington to end the torture the family are going through, ensure that Mrs Sacoolas answers for her actions in the English courts, following which both families will at long last be able to take the initial steps towards rebuilding their shattered lives."